Italy rescues nearly 1600 migrants

Monday, May 12, 2014

ROME - Italian Navy rescued nearly than 1600 immigrants travelling from Africa during nightlong operations on Saturday, as migrants try to flee to the southern European country.

Italian Naval Forces said the immigrants were rescued in the Mediterranean Sea off Sicily Island. The migrants were picked up from various islands and brought to the mainland, according to the navy's statement.

Interior Minister of Italy, Angelino Alfano, said, in late April, an estimated 800 thousand immigrants are waiting to move to Europe from Africa.

Only this year, nearly 30 thousand migrants, seeking for a better life in Europe, arrived in Italy.